Police advising caution when hiring driveway paving contractors

As summer approaches and the weather continues to warm up, Waterloo Regional Police Services (WRPS) are warning residents to watch out for driveway paving scams.

There have been eight reports of driveway scams, and police are reporting that victims have lost more than $40,000 combined.

Sgt. John Jaklitsch from the WRPS Organized Financial Crime Team says this is something that has been happening in other regions as well.

Each case varies, but it typically begins with a group who approach a house unsolicited with a story about why they can pave a driveway at a discount.

“Once the agreement is made–there sometimes is a contract, there sometimes is not–they’ll essentially immediately start tearing up or even damaging the existing driveway and begin work,” Jaklitsch said. “What we’ve seen is halfway through the job, a renegotiation starts.”

At that point, the victim is typically left having to pay much more for the job.

“In our experience, the work is not good, it’s very shoddy, and therefore we’re leaving the victim with an inflated price and bad work,” Jaklitsch said.

Jaklitsch added that there are some red flags to watch out for before choosing a company. These include company vehicles and equipment that do not have logos, as well as prices that are considerably lower than the industry standard.

As well, there are steps individuals can take to protect themselves.

“Look for previous jobs and work that companies have done,” Jaklitsch said. “Often renovation companies have a website that would show some of their past work to add credibility and show the quality of their work.”

Police are still investigating whether this is a civil matter, or if there is an element of criminality.

They are encouraging anyone with suspicions to contact them at 519-570-9777.